The President Focuses On Wallet And Bank Balance, Not On The People - Ziyad

Member of Parliament for Vaikaradhoo constituency, Hussain Ziyad (Fitte), has sharply criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, alleging that the President Muizzu prioritizes financial gain over the wellbeing and standing of its citizens.

During a parliamentary debate on the government’s proposed amendment to the Penal Code, Ziyad argued that the President’s decisions are driven by "wallet and bank balance". He cited the recent outcome of the Cigarette heist case issue as clear evidence of this financial focus.

"Today, we are promoting the narrative that the President does not show favoritism based on personhood," Ziyad remarked. "But instead of looking at people's faces or status, the President looks at their wallets. I predicted back then that the Cigarette heist case would end exactly this way."

Ziyad raised concerns about the rampant scams targeting citizens, questioning whether the lack of action is truly due to gaps in the Penal Code or a lack of political will.

He also pointed out a contradiction regarding gang violence. He noted that despite Parliament passing a comprehensive Gang Prevention Bill less than three months ago, the President recently claimed that "there are no gangs in the Maldives," a statement Ziyad suggested was disconnected from reality.

Turning to specific instances of alleged corruption, Ziyad highlighted a case involving the Managing Director of Maldive Gas. "I heard reports of 250,000 dollars involving a company’s Managing Director. In the end, it seems the matter was simply brushed aside. That money is missing, Honorable Speaker," Ziyad stated.

He challenged the government’s commitment to investigating such cases, asking, "The public is asking if this case remains uninvestigated simply because it wasn't written in the Penal Code. Once this amendment is passed, will we find out what the Maldive Gas MD did with that 250,000 dollars? Will it actually be investigated?"

Ziyad concluded his remarks by emphasizing that legislative changes are meaningless without action. "Drafting laws is an easy task, but the true challenge lies in their effective enforcement."